Banbury Community Fridge launches crowd funding campaign after theft

Officials with the Banbury Community Fridge have launched a crowd funding campaign to help pay for improved security measures needed after thieves raided a secure freezer late last week.
Banbury Community Fridge has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for new security measures neededBanbury Community Fridge has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for new security measures needed
Banbury Community Fridge has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for new security measures needed

The Banbury Community Fridge, based in the car park of Banbury Mosque in Merton Street, provides a facility for the community to access food supplies that would otherwise go to waste.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility has been incredibly important to the people of Banbury and surrounding villages.

They delivered in excess of 3,500 food packs for people in self-isolation, and vulnerable individuals over the age of 65. In recognition of the work carried out by the volunteers during this unprecedented time, they were nominated for an "Unsung Hero Award."

Banbury Community Fridge reopened in May to the community with limited hours after a brief lockdown closure due to COVID-19.

Due to a recent theft of food from inside the community fridge several changes are being made in regard to how people of the community are served.

A spokesperson for the community fridge said: "We had a secured freezer where we put extra food, and it said do not open. The whole thing was emptied."

The community fridge is raising money to pay for CCTV cameras and rolling shutters to cover the fridge.

They have raised £200 so far towards their £2,500 target.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the fundraising campaign can use the following crowdfunding web link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/banbury-community-fridgeSome of the changes made after the recent theft, include very structured opening hours and there will now always be a volunteer at the fridge when they are open to the public.

The community fridge spokesperson added: "We've got very limited food anyway so we've got to make sure there is enough to get around.

"It will be manned now. If we haven't got any volunteers then it won't be open."

The Banbury Community Fridge opened its doors to the public in 2018 and is run by a group of hardworking volunteers. Residents, primarily those in need but not exclusively, can collect provisions such as pastries, bread, fruit, spices and vegetables nearing their sell by date for free.

The Banbury Community Fridge posted the following message on its Facebook page after the incident:

"NEW CHANGES BEING INTRODUCED

"With great sadness and a heavy heart I write this. We had a freezer within the fridge area that was for extra delivery clearly labelled do not open. Unfortunately everything has been taken out of there.

"Going forward we will be opening the fridge at strict times and will be manned by a volunteer.

"More info on times will be sent out in due course.

"We are getting asked if we have milk, fruit etc. If we have it it will be out.

"We are not a supermarket."

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